Application for Admission

Bethel Seminary invites applications from persons who are deeply committed to Christ and His kingdom, and whose gifts and call to ministry have been affirmed by a local body of Christian believers. Students applying to all master’s programs must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate that they are capable of graduate-level work. Since the Admissions Committee is interested in all information that will assist in the evaluation of an applicant’s ability, achievement, commitment to Christ, and promise, the seminary requires that each applicant supply the following materials:

A formal application for admission, which should be on file by the stated application deadline for the desired enrollment term.

Official transcripts of college work:

For Master's degrees - submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES or AICE evaluation (international schools) showing an earned baccalaureate or higher degree and official transcripts or NACES or AICE evaluations from all graduate schools attended.

For Doctoral degrees - submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES or AICE evaluation (international schools) showing an earned master's degree and official transcripts or NACES or AICE evaluations from all graduate coursework.

An official transcript from any other seminary attended.

All required recommendations as delineated on the application for an applicant’s particular degree program.

A record of satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for students from colleges not regionally accredited.

A group interview or additional materials may be required upon the request of the Admissions Committee.

Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance to the seminary.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit either of Bethel's St. Paul, MN or San Diego, CA locations, or connect with us virtually. Set up an appointment by filling out our online form or call our Campus Visit Coordinator at 651.635.8000. Any questions can be directed to seminary-admissions@bethel.edu.

Former students not enrolled within the last year (four consecutive terms including interim and summer terms) must contact the Office of Student Success & Retention to request readmission to the Seminary. Students who have not been enrolled within the last three years must reapply through the Office of Admissions and abide by the catalog requirements at the time of their readmission, unless written permission was obtained from the Office of the Registrar prior to the extended leave (for example, in cases of military deployment). If prior permission was obtained, the student may follow the catalog requirements under which they last enrolled and must contact the Office of Student Success & Retention to request readmission to the Seminary.

Applying Online

International Students

An international applicant is any candidate who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident alien. International applicants, in addition to the general requirements for admission, must:

Submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) examination score report (required of all international student applicants and all student applicants whose primary language is not English). This English proficiency requirement can be waived if the student received an undergraduate or higher level degree at a U.S. college or university.

TOEFL minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test, or 80 on the Internet-based test.

IELTS minimum score of 6.5.

PTE minimum score of 55.

Additionally international applicants must submit the following:

A copy of I-94 (applicants living in the U.S.).

A copy of passport (applicants living in the U.S.).

A copy of current visa (applicants living in the U.S.).

Documentation of health insurance or upon arrival at Bethel University the student may consult with the International Student Advisor who will provide the necessary information for the student.

Transcripts from all colleges and/or universities you have attended. The transcript(s) is/are required to be evaluated by one of the members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) if the student's degree(s) is/are received outside of the U.S.

Submit the most current bank statement(s) available providing evidence of adequate funds based on U.S. currency to cover a minimum of one year’s full tuition and living expenses.

If an applicant is receiving funds from a sponsor(s), submit:

Notarized letters of support from U.S. sponsor(s).

For complete details for International students, please refer to the International Students page under Academic Information.

Special Students and Auditors

In addition to the other admission requirements stated previously in this section, a limited number of qualified students may enroll in classes as a special (non-degree) student or auditor. Such students normally would enroll for no more than two courses per term. No more than 25% of the courses required for a degree may be taken while enrolled under special student status.

Admission Requirements for Non-Bachelors Students

In addition to the other admission requirements stated previously in this section, students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree must also meet he following requirements:

The student is 35 years of age or older.

The student has had significant prior ministry experience.

The student has earned an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree or has earned 60 undergraduate credits.

The student has scored 150 or higher on the Verbal Reasoning portion of the GRE.